Due to heightened security concerns, please note that if you are currently or will be traveling outside the U.S., you will likely experience significant delays when reentering. Per a recent memorandum from Customs and Border Protection (CBP), all international students and scholars will go through a secondary inspection where CBP officers can verify the status of their SEVIS records.

This could be a 2-4 hour process, so until further notice, plan accordingly for any flight connections or entry at a land border. If your SEVIS record has ever been terminated, be prepared to explain the details. F-2 and J-2 dependents should expect a similar process and delays at the port of entry.

We have also communicated directly with CBP in Philadelphia. They currently have a dedicated officer checking SEVIS records to help alleviate wait times; however, this process will vary at different ports of entry.

It is not expected to be a permanent process, so we will provide any updates as they become available.

If you have any related questions or concerns, please email or call 215-898-4661.